Princeton’s FreeB bus service will remain out of operation for the foreseeable future during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The bus service has been suspended since March when the first stay-at-home executive orders were issued by Gov. Phil Murphy.
The Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) and Princeton officials will continue to evaluate the possibility of resuming service after Princeton Public Health professionals recommended that service stay suspended, according to an Aug. 10 statement from the municipality.
“The resumption of service in 2020 is looking increasingly unlikely, but the town continues to work with our community partners, such as the Princeton Senior Resource Center, to ensure that transportation is available for those in need,” Councilwoman Mia Sacks said.
The FreeB buses’ primary ridership is elderly residents who are part of the high-risk category for the COVID-19 virus. Elderly residents at Elm Court (Princeton Community Housing) are among the residents who use the service.
“We have only heard from one FreeB rider unable to access an alternate means of transportation,” Sacks said.
FreeB was established in 2008 and is a free municipal shuttle service open for anyone to ride.
The service has two Princeton Free B buses called Marvin 1 and 2, which had stops at Palmer Square, the Princeton Shopping Center and the Princeton rail station prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
Before operations can resume, safety protocols will have to established and ready for implementation, according to the municipality.